Wilson goes to my church, lives in my neighborhood, and is the father of my gynecologist. He’s a retired engineer from the sugarcane industry. A few years ago he gave me a bleeding heart plant that he had cultivated. I thought it had frozen this winter (sadly due to my neglect to bring it in for the freeze), but it is flourishing back. It seems to love the heat. Nevertheless, Wilson won my heart through this small gesture.
A few weeks ago, I was out on a morning walk, so I stopped by his house. He had promised to show me around his yard-nursery. I was immediately taking photos with my phone. Look at this gorgeous lotus blossom in a tiered fountain.
On a tour of Wilson’s backyard, he showed me a spot where he plants cuttings and plant pups. His wife Betty says, “These are his babies.” Then he showed me a young fig tree. He said it could be mine. The best time to plant them is in the fall, so I will be back to pick it up when the air turns cool.
The photo to the right is a grassy plant that produces little seeds called Job’s tears. Wilson picks the seeds and takes out the center which leaves a perfect hole for making beaded bracelets. I was honored to receive one of his bracelets.
Wilson and Betty have transformed a backyard shed into a “winery” where Wilson experiments with different fruits for making wine. Betty said the hardest part is the waiting.
Wilson reminds me that we should do the things we love. Grow and cultivate plants, make bracelets, create a new wine. Wilson has to be careful because of a back injury, but not long after his surgery, I saw him biking in the neighborhood. Keep moving. Be like Wilson.
Reflections on the Teche 
Such a good plan. Loved this story!
Wilson sounds like an inspiration and the lessons you’ve collected and synthesized here are a gift!
What a lovely post and a great lesson. I’ll take it to heart.
Margaret, you’ve shown us a man who knows how it’s done. I want to be like Wilson (love that last line)! The plants and beads are fascinating to me. I love that you wear a signature Wilson bracelet! And the wine……oh, what a fun hobby!
This is such s positive story. It shows us that everything is important and also has a purpose.
This is a wonderful slice about someone who really values each day. THank you
Thanks for showing the importance of spending time doing what you love through a glimpse of Wilson’s life. I need his reminder today!
What an inspiration Wilson is!
[…] treat than fresh figs. And he thanked me for writing a “Spice of Life” about him last week. So I decided to make Slice of Life into Spice of Life in honor of his good […]